Sinus infections, also known as sinusitis, usually resolve on their own within a week with at-home treatments.
Though your first instinct may be to reach for the medicine cabinet, certain home remedies for sinus infection may work just as well—either on their own or in complement with over-the-counter (OTC) medications. These include nasal lavage, steam inhalation, essential oils, and simple rest.
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Rest
As with all infections, sinusitis benefits from rest and getting plenty of sleep. Doing so helps support the immune system, conserving energy so that resources can be redirected to fight the infection.
Lying down also helps ease sinus pain caused by inflammation of mucous membranes. When these tissues are inflamed, they produce excess fluids that increase sinus pressure. Lying back allows these fluids to drain down the back of your throat, easing pressure and pain.
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Nasal Lavage
Rinsing your nasal passages, also known as nasal lavage, can help a sinus infection by loosening mucus so it can be discharged (either down the back of your throat or by blowing your nose).
You can rinse your sinuses with the following tool easily found at drugstores:
- A neti pot (a teapot-looking device with a nasal spout)
- Bulb syringe (a squeezable rubber ball with a spout)
- A battery-operated pulsed water device, like NeilMed or Navage
Nasal lavage can be done with distilled bottled water or tap water that has boiled for three to five minutes and then cooled. (Do not use plain tap water because it contains organisms and is not sterile.)
You can also make a saline solution by dissolving 3 teaspoons of iodide-free salt and 1 teaspoon of baking soda in one cup (8 ounces) of lukewarm distilled or boiled water. You can reduce the dry ingredients if the solution causes burning or stinging.
Fluids and Hydration
As with any infection, staying hydrated is crucial for your recovery. Among other things, dehydration causes blood to thicken, reducing the volume of defensive white blood cells that can reach and neutralize the infection.
Drinking water and other fluids (such as juice, broth, and herbal tea) can also help thin mucus clogging your sinus passages. Many experts recommend drinking eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily and possibly more if you are ill.
Avoid caffeine and alcohol which have diuretic effects. These promote urination and can increase the risk of dehydration.
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Steam Inhalation
Steam inhalation helps sinus infections by loosening mucus so that it can be more easily expelled.
You can do this with a steam inhaler purchased at a drugstore or with the following at-home method:
- Boil water in a kettle, pot, or microwave.
- Transfer water to a bowl.
- Place the bowl on a steady surface where it won't spill.
- Sit or stand with a towel draped over your head about a foot from the bowl.
- Inhale the steam for 10 to 15 minutes.
Children can be treated by running a hot shower and sitting with them in the steamy bathroom.
Warm Compress
A warm compress is a form of heat therapy that can help a sinus infection in several ways. Firstly, the heat increases blood circulation in the sinuses, promoting healing. It also eases congestion which contributes to sinus pain and pressure.
The easiest method is to soak a washcloth in warm water and place it over your eyes, nose, and forehead for 10 to 15 minutes (or until the cloth cools), This is best done lying down, allowing the loosened mucus to drain into the back of your throat.
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Humidifiers and Vaporizers
Humidifiers work by adding cool moisture to the air. Not only does this help loosen mucus but also eases pain and pressure while sleeping by keeping the nasal passage hydrated. Cool-mist moisturizers are available in most drugstores and big box stores.
Vaporizers work similarly to humidifiers but use steam rather than a cool mist. These may be less suitable for small children who can get too close and burn themselves.
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Essential Oils
Certain essential oils can be very beneficial for people with sinuses and congestion. When used as aromatherapy, some have proven just as effective in opening sinus passages as OTC decongestants.
These include:
- Peppermint oil
- Eucalyptus oil
- Tea tree oil
- Oregano oil
- Clary sage oil
- Lavender oil
- Rosemary oil
You can inhale these oils safely either by using a commercial diffuser, by adding several drops to a warm bath, or by adding it to steam inhalation therapy. If you decide to inhale the oils directly, place a few drops on a tissue and inhale with the tissue near your skin (but not on it).
Antioxidants
Eating a healthy diet benefits any illness, and a diet rich in antioxidants may be especially beneficial for infections like sinusitis. Antioxidants are substances found in certain foods that combat free radicals that can undermine your immune health.
Some fruits and vegetables high in antioxidants include:
- Avocado
- Bell pepper
- Broccoli
- Cantaloupe
- Carrots
- Cauliflower
- Leafy greens
- Oranges
- Strawberries
- Tomatoes
- Watermelon
- Winter squash
Antioxidant supplements are also available in tablet, capsule, or soft gel formulations. Many include antioxidants like vitamin C, beta-carotene, and vitamin E. It is unclear if any of these antioxidants in supplement form offer benefits beyond that of a balanced diet.
Antibacterial Foods
Certain foods have antibacterial properties that help bolster the immune response. Research has found that the following may have antibacterial properties that can resolve a sinus infection:
- Vegetables, including cabbage, cauliflower, garlic, leafy greens, onions, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kohlrabi, turnips, carrots, parsnips, horseradish and rutabaga
- Fruits, including citrus fruits, apples, grapes, plums, and strawberries
- Herbs and spices, like oregano, cinnamon, clove, rosemary, parsley, and mustard
- Grains like barley and sorghum
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OTC Medications
Nasal decongestant sprays like Afrin are frequently used to ease congestion caused by a sinus infection. They work by reducing the swelling of the blood vessels in your nose, which helps to open airway passages. While effective, the sprays can cause rebound congestion if overused.
Oral decongestants like Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) work the same but deliver medication throughout the body rather than locally. Sudafed can cause numerous side effects, particularly if overused, including headaches, nausea, dry mouth, jitteriness, and insomnia.
Other OTC drugs sometimes used to treat sinusitis include:
- Antihistamines, like Benadryl (diphenhydramine) to ease stuffiness and help you sleep
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Advil (ibuprofen) or Aleve (naproxen) to ease inflammation along with sinus pain and headache.
All drugs cause side effects so be sure to read the product label or speak with your pharmacist. Use OTC medication only as prescribed.
Do You Need Antibiotics?
Antibiotics are usually not needed or helpful since most sinus infections are caused by viruses, and antibiotics only kill bacteria.
Even if the cause is bacterial, mild cases may resolve on their own without treatment. If symptoms improve after two or three days, treatment is likely unnecessary; if they do not, a short course of antibiotics may be prescribed that need to be taken to completion to avoid antibiotic resistance.
Summary
Sinus infections often resolve on their own with self-care strategies. These include getting plenty of rest and fluids; using nasal irrigation, steam inhalation, aromatherapy, or a warm compress; eating a healthy diet; and using OTC medications to help manage symptoms.
